the Russian people as political plu-
ralism. Unfortunately increased
freedoms have come hand in hand
with economic hardship, which
seems to decrease tolerance of di-
versity. Even a group of liberal
psychologists visiting Vermont
was unwilling to support gay lib-
eration: the argument is that they
have more important things to

‘*r"nnn‘ "

On June 22nd, the Vermont ACLU said good-bye to lobbyist Tim Mazur at

worry about. No one can con-
fidently predict what may happen
next, but the Soviet Union will
certainly be a place to watch for
the next few years. V

Kevin Moss is an Associate Pro-
fessor of Russian at Middlebury
College.

a grand roast. Co-liasions Keith Goslant (l) and Holly Perdue (r), both

dressed for the occasion, gave Tim an honary gay man's card and a t-shirt

that said "No one believes I'm straight."

if Photo by ACLU surf

On Being a
Lesbian Jew

Cheri Goldstein

In the Jewish community it is of-
ten difficult to come out as a les-
bian or gay man. Even in the con-
gregations that will “allow” us to
be out we are still missing out on
many of the blessings and rituals
that are offered freely to our
straight counterparts. It is okay to
be there as long as we don't ask
for too much.

In the gay and lesbian community
it is often difficult to come out as a
Jew. In a community that tries to
be understanding of oppression
and discrimination it seems that
anti-semitism is one of the last to
be noticed. At a recent gathering
of lesbians and gay men I was tak-
en aback by a woman who
thought, “It was good that the
treasurer was a Jew.” Not long af-
ter that I heard two gay men talk-
ing about “jewing down” a car
dealer.

We are all learning and growing
and someday with enough educa-
tion these types of racism and ho-
mophobia will stop. May it be
soon and in our lifetime.

When I lived in Cleveland, Ohio I
found a home at Cheivre Tikva
(Children of Hope) a gay and les-
bian synagogue. There I found a
place where I could affirm all as-
pects of who I am - a lesbian Jew.
Their friendship, support, and af-
firmation is part of what I miss
most‘ living in rural Vermont. I
was never an extremely religious
Jew-my Jewishness is more cul-
turally based. It centers around my
eyes, nose, and stomach.

There is a special peace I feel
when I make holiday meals or
light candles. I am taking pieces of
the traditions that have stood in
my family for generations and
creating something of my own.
Something that is lesbian/gay and
Jewish within my family of
choice. V

September 1991

There now is a
small group of
gay/lesbian
Jews and
friends in Ver-
mont who are
gathering for
special occa-
sions. Erev
Rosh Hashana
(Jewish New
Year) is Sun-
day September
8th. We will
once again
gather to share
tradition, cul-
ture and a
meal. Anyone
wishing to join
us, call 229-
0109 for de-
tails.

.______..._._...,,_ .,- . - ..... ....e......,...a~_-.,_~.., W.n\—.-»-_;.,n;.._..,..,,. .

 
 

 

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